Rim reinforced case and method of forming same



C. F. SMITH Feb. 20, 1940.

RIM REINFORCED CASE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Sept. 26, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 C. F. SMITH Feb. 20, 1940.

RIM REINFORCED CASE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Sept. 26. 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 22% ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 20, 1940.

C. F. SMITH RIM REINFORCED CASE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME Filed Sept. 26, 1936 s ShZaets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

Patented Feb. 20, 1940.

UNITED" STATES Rm REINFORCED CASE AND METHOD OF .FORMING SAME Clarence F. Smith, Middletown, Ohio, assignor to Inland Container Corporation, Indianapolis,

Ind., a corporation Application September 26, 1936, Serial No. 102,738

14 Claims.

This invention relates to a paper board container which has great strength, such strength being obtained through the medium of a reinforcing structure and which container other than the reinforcement, may be formed from a single blank of paper board material, creased and folded into container formation and retained in said formation without/the use of staples, or the like, but by means associated with the reinforcement or by the reinforcement connection.

The chief object of the invention is to provide a container of the character hereinbefore indicated, which is suitable for repeated use with bottled beverages and the like, and broadlyekpressed, the object of the invention is to provide a paper board or other relatively light and economical container having suii'icient strength when reinforced and when so reinforced'is suitable for the purpose for which a wooden beverage case, or the like, is utilized.

One feature of the invention is that thesame, compared with a wooden. case ofequal" character, normally, in its Simplest form, weighs approximately one third that of the wooden case.

Another feature of. the invention consistsiin the low original cost of a case embodying-the invention ascompared with a wooden case of equal capacity.

Another feature of the invention consists in a case embodying the invention being more adaptable to the reception of attractive printing,

thereby permitting better advertising matter to be applied thereto as compared with the wooden case of equal capacity.

Another feature of the invention resulting from the reduction in weight compared to a wooden case of equal character, is that when the .cases are shipped, the transportation costs are less per unit case if the cost is based on weight.

Another feature of the invention resulting from the reduction in weight compared to a wooden case of equal character is that when transported by trucks limited in total loaded weight by State laws, a larger number of cas'es 45 may be transported'per truck load.

Another and one of the most important features of the invention is that the main portion of the container may be readily renewed at a relatively low cost as compared with the renewal of life.

A supplementary feature of the renewal feature is that the case may be maintained in a embodying the invention may always be main- I tained in a presentable appearance for delivery form of the invention.

and repair of wooden casesfor an equal length purposes, particularly for home package delivery.

Another advantage is that 'by reason of its lighter weight, the handling thereof in production, transportation and use by personnel, manufacturing, transporting and handling same, respectively, is greatly facilitated.

A further advantage is that injury to personnel and equipment by reason of nails and/or splinters is eliminated.

Other objects and features of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The full nature of the invention will be more fully understood from the accompanying drawings and the following description and claims:

..In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan view of the blank from which the simplest form of the container is formed.

Fig.2 -is a perspective view of the simplest Fig. -.3' is an enlarged, cross-sectional view takenon line 3-3 of'Flg. 2 and in the direction ofthe arrows, and illustrates the cooperative connection between the container, the reinforcement and the interlocking connection therebetween.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a modified form of reinforcement and herein of the interior vertical reinforcing type.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4 applied to the container in case formation.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of an exterior vertical type of reinforcement.

Fig. 'l is a view similar to Figs. 4 and 5 and is taken in a plane including one of the exterior vertical reinforcements.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Figs. 3 and 5 and of the form of the invention partially illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7 showing the additional interlock of ,-the hand-hold clips.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of one comer showing the interlocking relation between an exterior vertical'r'einforcement and the rim. -Fig. .10 is a perspective view of a covered case embodying the invention, a portion of the cover being broken away to show the locking handhold clip in position.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line llll of Fig. 10 andin the direction of the arrows. I

In the dra. ngs l0 indicates the bottom, II the two sides'and I! the ends of a. blank of paper board stock, the same being connected to the bottom by the scored lines 13 and I4, respectively. Herein an-end reinforcement l5 has a scored copnection It with each side edge of each side we 1.

I Each end includes a D-outlined aperture l'l therein centrally positioned with respect to the 60 side edges and positioned near the top to the end. Each of the end reinforcing portions I5 *is provided with a similar D-outlined opening I3 and the openings I1 and I3 register when the blank is set up in container formation. As herein illustrated, the two extensions I 5 are preferably positioned interiorly with respect to the adjacent end I2. As shown clearly in Fig. 2, the end reinforcing portions II in the present instance, for economical use of stock since the depth is less than the width, do not extend the full width of the end. In other words, each end reinforcing member I5 terminates remote from the adjacent corner 20 between the side wall II and the other adjacent end reinforcing member I5.

A rim structure 2| is preferably ofchannel form in section-see Fig. 3-having the side walls 22 and the top 23. Therim, in the preferred form, nestingly receives the top edges of the sides, ends and end reinforcing portions. The lower edge of said rim terminates a slight distance above the registering D-outlined openings I1 and I3. Immediately thereabove, each side portion of the rim is provided with a laterally directed groove, rib or slot-forming portion 25. In this instance, a U-shaped clip having the bottom portion 25, the side portions 21, each of which terminates in an inturned and downwardly directed anchoring portion 23, is seatable in the registering D-shaped openings, the portion 25 covering the upper wall of said openings and the upper anchoring portions 23 yieldingly engages the lateral projecting portions 25 thereof. When thus assembledsee Figs. 2 and 3-the clips serve to semi-permanently lock the rim to the container proper without the use of staples or other equivalent means which heretofore have been necessary to secure a one-piece blank into container formation.

The U-shaped clip when once engaged with the elongated portions 25 on the rim 2| will normally retain container, rim and clip together although said clip may be forcibly disassociated from portions 25, and thereby permit the application of the clip and rim to another container. Such forcible separation may readily be effected by using a nail or screw driver to partially eler vate and laterally force outwardly the locking portion of the clip from the locking tongue 25.

For cleamess, the interlocking type of sectionalizing partitions usually employed in cases of this kind, which are used for the reception of bottled beverages, has been omitted, although the case is intended to include the same whenever used for that or a similar purpose. However, this provision is well known in the art. When the container is used as a hamper carrying case,

inner packing partitions or the like, are not required.

Whenever the case is used in connection with a beer or ale, subject to deterioration or change by reason of prolonged exposure to light, a light shielded arrangement may be embodied in the invention and the same may be briefly described as follows, coupled with reference to a copending application, flied by Willis B. Lincoln. Jr., January 1'7, 1936, Serial No. 59,559, entitled, Light shielded handle fiberboard case" and now Patent No. 2,078,087, dated April 20, 1937. Such a lightshielded arrangement would include, in place of the D-shaped opening in end I2, a flap constructure which would be cut out along the upper edge and the two side edges and in place of the completed cut, this little blank would be integrally anchored by a scoring or hinge connection.

' It will be. apparent, therefore, that with this arrangement the light shield normallyclosing this opening could be readilybent outwardly for the insertion of the anchoring clip structure, in-

dicated by the numerals 25, 26 and2'|see Fig.

3and then after the rim was anchored to the container, the light-shield portion would be pressed back into its original position for lightshielding purposes.

Whenever light shielding is desired, a pair of opposite sides, or all four sides and upon the inner face of the rim or all four interior corners of the rim might be provided with a grooved arrangement or supporting ledge, and the same yieldingly receive a single sheet of paper board which would frictionally look into position and completely close the top of the container such as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

To facilitate removal of such a sheet cover, a finger hole, or holes, would be provided such as indicatedby numeral 5| in Fig. 1 of the Lincoln patent before mentioned, and the same is a partial cut-out for finger reception, the portion so cut out having a hinge or scored connection with the main body portion of the sheet.

The aforesaid light-shield arrangements broadly are illustrated, described and claimed in the before mentioned patent and it is to be understood that the modifications thereof, as herein specified, may be applied to each and every form of the present invention disclosed herein, without departing from the scope of this invention.

The form of the invention herein illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, without the lightshielding arrangement, is the simplest form of the present invention.

Whenever it is desired to provide additional reinforcement for the case comprising the rim and the container portion, there may be provided four interiorly positioned, depending, angular reinforcements which terminate immediately above or at the bottom III of the container. In Fig. 4, such a modified form of the invention is illustrated and similar numerals of the one hundred v series are applied thereto.

The numeral I2I indicates the rim, I25 the lateral extending portions thereof or equivalent,

for clip mounting. I30 indicates each of the four interior corner associated reinforcing extensions, herein shown integral and rigid with the rim structure I2I. The rim structure I2I includesthe top I23, the two side portions I22 and the outwardly directed clip anchoring portions I25. In Fig. 5 of the drawings, this form of the invention is shown associated with the container portion, bearing similar numerals of the one hundred series. The clip is similarly designated by numerals of the one hundred series.

If it is desired to further reinforce the resulting structure, each or a portion of the adjacent pair of depending portions I30 may be suitably connected together as by the portions I3I. Herein said portions I3I connect all of the lower ends of the depending portions I30. While such lowerend connecting arrangement is of the strap type, it may be of the angle section type similar,

. then is superimposed thereabove and the flange ture to form a case embodying the invention and which differs from that illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 by the vertical interior reinfocement feature.

Reference will now be had of Figs. 6 to 9, inclusive, wherein there is illustrated an exterior, vertical reinforcing arrangement. In this form of the invention similar numerals of the two hundred series indicate similar'parts. For example, 2 indicates the side wall, 2i2 the end wall, 2|! the end reinforcing portions of the container. The container may or may not be provided with the hand-hold forming openings but if it is, openings 2i! and 2l8--see Fig. 8- are provided.

Furthermore, in this form of the invention, the use of the clip having the portions 225, 226 and 221, is optional, as will appear more fully hereinafter, and the rim structure 22l having the top 223 and the side portions 222 may be provided with the anchoring seats 225.

The numeral 230 indicates four externallypositioned upwardly directed channel portions connected together at their lower ends by thefour transversely positioned channel portions 23!, all rigid with each other or integral, as desired. The upper end of each of the depending portions 230 terminates in an outwardly directed flange 232.

Each comer of the rim structure 22! is provided with an angulariy outlinedsee Fig. 9- outwardly directed recess or socket arrangement 233. Normally the portions 230 are canted outwardly and there is suflicient resiliency in the structure to permit the same to be compressed inwardly and when the pressure is released, said upwardly directed portions 230 again attempt to assume their original outwardly canted positions but are prevented by sockets 233 which seat enlarged portions 232 of portions 230.

With this form of the invention, the container shown in Figs. 1 and 2, for example, is set up in the usual manner and then is nested in the reinforcing structure shown in Fig. 6. The rim portions 230 are seated in the sockets 233, which lock the reinforcing arrangement and the rim together, and simultaneously anchor the rim structure to the container.

It will be apparent with this form of the invention, the clips shown in Fig. 8 may be omitted and likewise, it will also be apparent that a container of this character need not be provided with hand-hold openings whenever the same are not desired. This form of the invention has the advantage that the exterior edges and more especially the bottom of the container, are protected from injury and also from moisture contact incident to being deposited on a wet surface.

In all forms of the invention which utilize the clip associated with the hand-hold opening, the said clip serves as a smooth bearing surface for finger engagement, so the fingers do not engage rough, exposed edges of the container material immediately adjacent that opening.

As previously set forth, a light shield may be utilized with each of the forms of the inven-.

tion illustrated in Figs. 4 to 9, inclusive.

It will also be apparent from the foregoing description, the container proper may be made of relatively cheap material compared to wooden cases for bottled beverages, such as beer cases.

This case having therein the inherent possibility of container replacement, may be maintained in attractive and sanitary condition and and/or the conjoint use of the opposed or alalso has all the advantages initially mentioned hereinbefore.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 10 and 11, A indicates a cover of paper board or like material seated, frictionally or 5 otherwise within the rim and seating upon the ledge C thereof. Cover A may be provided at one 3r opposite ends as desired with semi-die cut portions B forming finger holes to permit cover, removal. 7

Furthermore, as previously pointed out, a case of this character is peculiarly adapted for the reception of display advertising, the printing thereof on the container occurring prior to, immediately following, or simultaneously with 15 blank formation, as desired.

Furthermore, as previously pointed out, the

difference in weight between the two broad types of cases mentioned, is such, a marked saving results in transportation costs.

Another feature-inherent in the covered type of construction is, that when corrugated paper board is utilized for the container and the cover, said board serves asinsulation against heat and cold. However, it is desired to point out that I while the invention has been described more specifically asssociated with paper board of the corrugated or solid type, any other type of light weight board, such as box board, laminated board, pressed board, or the like, could be utilized for a the formation of the container.

Another feature inherent in those forms of the invention which utilize the depending reinforcing portions, is that these permit full height stacking of the cases when filled and they carry II the load, thus providing for .every advantage of the wooden case.

While the light shield associated with the handhold opening has been described as being preferably embodied in the end portions I2, they may be embodied in either or both of the end extensions is or in either or both of said extensions as well as the end i2.

By the use of the term semi-permanent.

ternative terms "permanent and detachable in the description and claims, applicant refers to the character of the connection between the clip and the container portion and clip and the rim since during the life of the container portion as such the clip is permanently associated therewith, and during the life of the rim the clip is detachably associated therewith thereby permitting use of the same rim with successive container portions as the preceding container portion wears out, becomes unsanitary or the like, and requires replacement.

While the invention has been described in great detail in the foregoing specification and several modifications thereof have been specifically illustrated and described in detail and other modifications have been described but not illustrated, the aforesaid is to be considered as illustrative only and not restrictive in character. These modifications as well as others which will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this .art, are-all considered to be within the broad with, two other, intermediate, opposed side portions integral with the bottom and reinforcing portions integral with certain of the opposed side portions and lapping the other side portions, an I open type reinforcing and protective rim correspondingin outline to the bottom portion and operatively associated with the top edges of all of the portions when arrangedin open top container formation for retaining the portions in open top container formation, and means detachably connecting the body and rim together for securing the blank in case formation.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, characterized by the reinforcing portions and adjacent lapped side portions having hand-hold forming openings therein and registering, said detachably connecting securing means including a U-shaped crosssectioned combination hand-hold protective grip type connector having its midportion seatable in the registering openings and its end portions detachably connected with the rim.

3. A device as defined by claim 1', characterized by the reinforcing portions and lapped side portions having hand-hold forming openings therein and registering, said detachably connecting securing means including a U-shaped cross-sectioned combination hand-hold protective grip type connector having its midportion seatable in the registering openings and its end portions detachably connected with the rim, and by the addition of vertical e'dge reinforcement means for the body in depending relation with the rim, and interiorly positioned relative to the body.

4. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the reinforcing portions and lapped side portions having hand-hold forming openings therein and registering, said detachably connecting securing means including a U-shaped cross-sectioned combination hand-hold protective grip type connector having its midportion seatable in the registering openings and. its end portions detachably connected with the rim, and by the addition of vertical edge reinforcement means for the body in depending relation with the rim, and bottom edge reinforcement means connecting said reinforcements in paired relation, said reinforcement means being interiorly positioned within the body.

5. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the reinforcing portions and lapped side portions having hand-hold forming openings therein and registering, said detachably connecting securing means including a U-shaped cross-sectioned combination hand-hold protective grip type connector having its midportion seatable in the registering openings and its end portions detachably connected with the rim, and by the addition of vertical edge reinforcement means in depending relation with the rim, and bottom edge reinforcement means connecting together all of the lower ends of the depending reinforcements, said reinforcement means being interiorly positioned within the body.

6. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the reinforcing portions and lapped side portions having'hand-hold forming openings therein and registering, said detachably connecting securing means including for each end a U-shaped cross-sectioned combination hand-hold protective grip type connector having its midportion seatable in the registering openings and its end portions detachably connected with the rim, and by the addition of vertical edge corner reinforcement means in depending relation with the rim, and bottom edge reinforcement means connecting together all of the lower ends of the depending reinforcements, said reinforcement means being exteriorly positioned relative to the body.

7. A case, including a body blank having a bottom, two opposed side portions integral therewith, two other, intermediate, opposed side portions integral with the bottom and reinforcing portions integral with certain of said opposed side portions and lapping the other side portions, an open type reinforcing and protective channeltype rim corresponding in outline to the bottom portion and nestingly receiving the top edges of all the portions when arranged in open top container formation for retaining the portions in container formation, and means detachably connecting the body and rim together for securing the blank in case formation.

8. A device as defined by claim 7, characterized by the reinforcing portions and lapped side portions having hand-hold forming openings therein and, registering, said detachably connecting securing means including a U-shaped cross-sectioned combination hand-hold protective grip type connector having its mid-portion seatable in the registering openings and its end portions detachably connected with said rim.

9. A device as defined by claim '7, characterized by the addition of vertical edge corner reinforcement means for the body in depending relation with the rim.

10. A device as defined by claim 7, characterized by the addition of vertical edge corner reinforcing means for the body in depending relation with the rim, and bottom edge reinforcement means connecting said depending reinforcements in paired relation.

11. A device as defined by claim 7, characterized by the addition of vertical edge corner reinforcing means in depending relation with the rim, and bottom reinforcement means connecting together all of the lower ends of the depending reinforcements.

12. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the addition of vertical edge reinforcement means in depending relation with the rim, bottom reinforcement means connecting together all of the lower ends of the depending reinforcements, said reinforcing means being exteriorly positioned relative to the body, and an interlocking connection between the upper ends of said depending reinforcing means and said rim for semi-permanently connecting the body and rim together.

13. A case including a body formed of paper board sides and a bottom arranged in open top container formation, a protecting rim corresponding in outline and size to the said bottom, a top rim conforming to and enclosing the upper edges of said sides, legs connecting the said protecting and top rims, and clip members anchored in said sides adjacent to said toprim and having portions detachably interlocked with the inner and outer portions of said top rim to hold the body and said top rim together.

14. In combination, a body including a bottom, sides and ends integrally connected together and arranged in open box relation, a unitary rim having portions straddling the top edges of said sides and said ends, and a plurality of U-shaped clips anchored in said body adjacent to said rim, the arm portions of said clips engaging and interlocking with opposite sides of said rim to secure the body and rim together.

CLARENCE F. SMITH. 

